Mechanical musical instrument.



No. 822,666. PATENTED JUNE 5, 1906.

. W. HOSGHKE.

MECHANICAL MUSIGALINSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1, i905.

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n UHU U m No. 822,666. PATENTED JUNE 5, 1906.

W. H. HOSCHKE. MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1, 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H HOSOHKE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO THEPIANOVA COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 5, 1906.

, 1 Application an Iay1,1905. Serial No. 258,282

To all whom it may concern):

Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. Hosonxn, a citizen of the United States,residing in New York, in the borough of Brooklyn and State of NewYork,'have invented certain new and useful Improvements in MechanicalMusical Instruments, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in mechanical instruments, andmore particularl y to automatic or self-playing musical instruments, inwhich the strings or other sounding devices are sounded by means of keyswhich are operated by an endless perforated music-sheet.

Among the objects of the invention is the provision of improvedmechanism for vibrating the strings. i

The invention also seeks to'provide improved damper-controllingmechanism and improved means for actuating the. music-' sheet.

With these and other ends in view the invention consists in the novelfeatures, arrangements, and combinations of parts to ,be fully describedhereinafter, and finally pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a front elevation of myimproved mechanical musical instrument, in which the perforatedmusic-sheet is broken off at its upper part, so as to show the stringsand the actions for the same. Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section online 2 2, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail front elevation of the springs,actions and the spring motor for driving the music sheet, drawn on alarger scale; and Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse section on line 4 4,Fig. 3.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in thedifferent figures of the Y drawings.

The improved musical instrument is built on the style of an uprightpiano, but with a smaller number of strings, so as to bring themtogether within the reach of the perforated endless music-sheet employedfor ac tuating the instrument. It is provided with an uprightstring-frame a, which is supported on a wooden frame I), on which thesoundingboard I) is supported by cleats b in the usualmanner. At theupper part of the stringframe a is arranged a wrest-plank a, in

which the tuning-pins t for the strings s are inserted in the usualmanner. The strings are applied at their lower ends to the usualstraining pins 1) on the sounding board bridge and at the lower part ofthe stringframe and held in position near the upper tuning-pins by awell-known agraffe-bar p, which extends transversely across the strings.Each note within the range of the instrument is represented by two ormore strings, each set of stringsbeing actuated by means of a double rowof hammers h h, the shanks h of which are inserted at their lower endsinto the upper socket-shaped ends of elbow-shaped hammer-butts J, whichare pivoted to a common fulcrum-rod extending transversely of thestrings and mounted in forwardly-pro jecting bracket-armsf, attached toa bridge B, which is supported on the string-frame a. The hammers areheld normally away from the strings. The lower arms of the hammerbutts jare connected with the free ends of tension-springs j the opposite endsof which are applied to a transverse rod j which is supported inbrackets 7' extending downwardly from the bridge B. The lower arms ofthe hammer-butts j engage the upper ends of spring-actuateddamper-levers d for a single series of dampers (i, said damper-leversbeing applied to a fulcrum-rod (1 supported at the lower part of thebridge B, the lower end of said damper-levers being connected with thedamper-shanks P, to which the dampers d are attached and with themovable members of a series of Pneumatics P, which are supported on asecond bridge B below the bridge B, as shown clearly in Fig. 4, thebridge B being, like the bridge B, supported on the metallicstring-frame a;

sharp point at their angles, their points being engaged by the teeth ofstar-wheels w, of the well-known construction, which are placed looselyon a transverse shaft f, supported onthe brackets f, as many starwheelsbeing arranged as there are hammer butts. The star-wheels 'w areseparated in the usual manner b metal disks or washers, or placed inslotte racks, so as to provide for the proper spacing of the same andhold them in their proper relative position toward the pointed. elbow ofthe hammer-butts. The

The elbow-shaped hammer-butts j form a v proved construction.

hammer-heads of the double rows of haml -rners are arranged one belowthe other, two for each string, the shanks of the upper hammers beingbent or offset adjacent to the hammer-heads, so as to pass downward]between the shanks of the lower row of ammers, as shown clearly in Fig.4. The hammers of each group are alined with the string or stringsactuated thereb as shown. The dampers d are held norma ly in contactwith the strings by the damper-levers and are moved away from thestrings when the latter are struck by the hammers. The shanks of thedampers d are connected with the movable members of the pneumatics P, soas to move the same at each actuation of the hammer-butts away from thestationary members simultaneously with the removal of the dampers fromthe strings, the pneumatics servm on their collapse to retard the return0% the dampers, which would otherwise take place quickly under thetension of the damper-lever springs and permit thereby the freevibration of the strings caused by the strokes of the hammers beforetne, dampers are returned into contact with the strings. The pneumaticsP permit the quick removal of the dampers from the strings, but the slowreturn of the same into contact therewith for interru ting thevibrations of the strings, as the collapsing of the pneumatics takesplace slowly owing to the slow escape of the air from the same. Thehammer-butts j, hammers h, dampers d, andpneumatics' P are actuated by atraveling perforated musicsheet m. The arrangement of a pair otha'mmersfor each string permits the string to be sounded by the stroke of onehammer, or by the stroke of both hammers simultaneously or alternatelyinrapid succession by the alternating actuationsof the two hammers, sothat the expression of the piece of music played on the instrument maybe varied by producing pianoforte, sostenuto repetitions, &c., withoutrequiring any special expression mechanisms.

The music-sheet m is made of suflicie'nt length and connected at itsends after being placed in position. It is guided over rollers m m,located at the upper and lower parts of the frame I). The music-sheet isprovided with inwardly-projecting teeth of any ap- As shown, these teethare bent up from the sheet, forming slots or openings therein. Theendless musicsheet has, owing to its extra length, the advantage ofpermitting theplaying of pieces of music of greater length, such asovertures, operatic selections, &c., or dance-music, in which themovements are repeated, without replacing the music-sheet. This forms amain advantage of the instrument, as it not only increases theattractions, but also the practical utility of the same, as it can beused whenever select pieces of music are desired,

9 which are attached to a second bar 9 in bearings of the horizontaleaaeee playing for a music-sheet m, so as to hold it in engagement.

with the teeth of the star-wheels w. The retaining-bar g-is supported atthe ends in links allel with the retaining-bar g, and supported bracketsg, as shown clearly iIrFig; 3. As the bar 9 turns in the brackets 9the-returning-bar g has a slight oscillating motion, so as to yieldsomewhat to the'music-sheet as the same is passed through between it andthe star-wheels. The pivoting of the retaining-bar 9 also permits it tobe swung up sufliciently when removing the music-sheet and replacing itby a new one without injury to the teeth of the same.

The motion of the perforated'music-sheet is controlled by a spring-motorM, which is wound up in the usual manner by a detachable hand-crank cand intermediate gearing, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3', the winding-gearof the motor being provided with the usual check-pawlfor preventing theunwinding of the spring-barrel. The barrel of the motor M transmitsmotion by a gear-wheel transmispar-.

sion to the regulating-fly M and to an intermediate shaft n, the flymechanism serving to regulate the speed of the motor and of theintermediate transmitting-shaft n in the manner well known inmusic-boxes and similar instruments. The spring-motor and theintermediate shaft n are supported in bearings of brackets n M, attachedto a supportingplate B and the opposite end of-the bridge B. A suitableclutch mechanism (not shown) is employed for stopping or starting themotor. The springmotor can also be started by means of a coin-operatedattachment when such an attachment is desired to be used in connectionwith the instrument. On the intermediate shaft 'n are mounteddriving-gear wheels n which engage equidistant marginal perforations narran ed along both sides of the traveling music-s eet, so as to move itaround its guide-rollers until the entire piece which is represented inthe music-sheet is played. The motion of the music-sheet pro duced bythe intermediate shaft n in connection with the pressure of theretaining-bar and rollers on the same produces the proper engagement ofthe projections of the musicsheet with the star-wheels w and by the samethe proper actuation of the hammers and dampers, the star-wheelsfollowing the motion of the teeth and perforations of the music- 'sheetand forming the transmitting mechan isms for the hammer and damperactions.

The music-sheet can be readily changed by separating the ends of thesame and then removing it from the instrument by the I by an endlessmusic-sheet driven by a longs rin -n1otor. The entire mechanism is incose in a case which may be provided with glass doors in the front soas-to be protected against dust; that long pieces of music or severalshort pieces of dancemusic can beplayed by one music-sheet, as the sameis about five times the length of the ordinarymusic sheets or disksheretofore employed in such instruments; that by one win of thespring-motor the instrument will p ay for from twenty-five to thirtyminutes without rewinding; that electrical motors, which are not alwaysavailable and which require spe cial electrical connections, aredispensed with that the instrument can be used in all public placeswhere piano-music is desired for entertainment without requiring aprofessional piano-player, such as refreshmentarlors, cafes,dancing-pavilions, and other p aces of amusement; that it is alsoattractive for family use owing to the better selections of music whichcan be produced that the musicsheets can be conveniently wound up on aroll so as to be immediately ready for insertion and use in theinstrument, and that the actuating mechanism is simple in constructionand not to be liable to get out of order, while the music produced isthat of a sweettoned piano played by an accomplished musician.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent- 1. In a mechanical musical instrument, the Icombination, with the string elements, of a group of hammers for eachelement, the hammers in each group having a common axis of movement andbeing alined with the .string element actuated by said hammers.

2. In a mechanical musical instrument, the combination, with the stringelements, of

. hammers for actuating saidelements, said 7 hammers being arranged ingroups, one

group for each element, and having a common axls of movement, and meansfor simultaneously actuating the hammers of each 3-. a mechamcal musicalinstrument, in

combination with strings, hammers. for actuatmg the same arranged ingroups, one group for each string, the hammers'in each oup having acommon pivot but being inependently operable.

4. In an instrument of the class described,

a plurality of strin V s, a group of hammers for each string, all of t ehammers having a common pivot, and means for simultaneously orindependently actuating thehammers 1n each group.

5. In a musical instrument, in combination,

' a plurality of strings, and a group of hammers for each string, thehammers in each group having a common axis of movement.

6. In a musical instrument such as described, the combination of thestrings, the hammers arranged in transverse rows and in groups made upof .hammers in alinement longitudinally with respect to the strings, all

of said hammers having, a common pivot, and the means for actuatmhammers in each row simultaneously with or independently of the hammersin the other row.

7. The combination, with the strings, of

hammers arranged in transversely-disposed rows and m groups made up fromhammers in both rows, the hammers in each group having a common axis ofhammer-actuating means.

8. In a musical instrument, the combination, with the dampers, ofsuction-operated means for retarding the return movement thereof.

movement, and

9. In a musical instrument, the combination with the dampers, ofsuction-operated retardin means in operative connection with eac of thesame. I

10. The combination, with the dam ers and damper-shanks, of suction-oerate retarding means attached .to sai dampershanks.

11. In a musical instrument, the combination, with the dampers anddamper-shanks, of pneumatics ttached to said dampershanks.

12. In a musical instrument, the combination, with the strings, of a rowof dampers extending transversely strings, and pneumatics mounted onsaid bridge and having their movable members attached to said dampers. I

13. In a musical instrument, the combination of the strings, a brid eextending across the same, elbow'shaped 'ammer-butts pivoted upon saidbridge, means said hammer-butts, a second bridge below the first,dampers mounted on said second bridge, and damper-levers pivoted on thefirst brid e and attached at one end to the damper-s anks, the oppositeend of said leacross the same, a. bridge also extending transversely ofsaidfor actuating ses eee tary actuati dex icesfilpi v oted hammermyinvention I have signed my name in p resbutts engaged y sald actuatingdevices and ence of two subscribing witnesses.

, in operative connection with said dampers, v and a pneumatic connectedwith each WILLIAM HOSCHKE' 5 damner-lever for retarding the return move-.Witncsses:

ment of the dam ers. n PAUL GoEPEL,

In testimony t at I claim the forego ng sis: HENRY J. SUHRBIER.

